Taking the sting out

The odd bee sting is a normal part of growing up, but it can be painful and uncomfortable. Here are a few important steps for parents.

Take action:

First calm your child so that you can safely remove the stinger; to remove it, scrape a blunt item, such as a credit card, across the sting – never pull the stinger out directly, as it could release more venom into the wound; wash the area thoroughly with soap and water; apply an ice pack to reduce swelling and discomfort; if the sting begins to itch, apply an over-the-counter cream designed to treat insect stings; consult a doctor immediately if your child displays some of the following symptoms: extreme pain, swelling, coughing, difficulty breathing, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, fainting or anxiety.